The technology includes processor-implemented methods, computer program products, and electronic devices for media module control. Media module zoom specifications are requested. Media module zoom specifications comprising zoom range are received. The received zoom range is divided into n discrete steps. A zoom bar is presented comprises an indicator of increasing zoom direction, an indicator of decreasing zoom direction, and a slider bar is presented. The slider bar is disposed substantially between the indicators. The slider bar displays zoom level as one of the n discrete steps from a first step equal to no zoom level, and an nth step equal to full zoom level. User input regarding a zoom level is received. Zoom is performed on the displayed image. The relative zoom level is displayed in the zoom bar.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A processor resources-implemented method for controlling a zoom feature in a media module in a communication device, the method comprising: requesting media module zoom specifications; receiving media module zoom specifications comprising zoom range in response to the request; dividing the received zoom range into n discrete steps, where n is a positive integer; rendering a zoom bar on the display of a device, wherein the zoom bar comprises: an indicator of increasing zoom direction, an indicator of decreasing zoom direction, and a slider bar: the slider bar disposed substantially between the indicators, and the slider bar displaying zoom level as one of the n discrete steps from a first step equal to no zoom level, and an nth step equal to full zoom level; receiving user input regarding a zoom level; performing zoom on the displayed image to a level corresponding to the received input; and displaying the relative zoom level in the zoom bar.
This invention relates to a method for controlling a zoom feature in a media module of a communication device, addressing the need for intuitive and precise zoom adjustments in media applications. The method involves requesting and receiving zoom specifications from the media module, including the available zoom range. This range is divided into a predefined number of discrete steps, allowing for consistent and predictable zoom increments. A zoom bar is rendered on the device display, featuring directional indicators for increasing and decreasing zoom, along with a slider bar positioned between them. The slider bar visually represents the current zoom level as one of the discrete steps, ranging from no zoom (first step) to full zoom (last step). User input adjusts the zoom level, which is then applied to the displayed image. The zoom bar dynamically updates to reflect the current zoom level, providing real-time feedback. This approach ensures users can easily navigate between predefined zoom levels while maintaining visual clarity on the available zoom range and current setting. The method enhances user experience by simplifying zoom control in media applications.
2. The processor resources-implemented method of claim 1 : wherein the zoom bar occupies a space substantially along the margin of an edge of the display.
A method for displaying a zoom bar on a graphical user interface involves positioning the zoom bar along the margin of an edge of the display. The zoom bar is a user interface element that allows users to adjust the zoom level of displayed content, such as text, images, or other graphical elements. The zoom bar is implemented using processor resources, meaning it is rendered and managed by a computing device's central processing unit (CPU) or other processing components. The method ensures that the zoom bar is placed in a way that minimizes interference with the main content area of the display while remaining easily accessible to the user. This positioning along the margin of an edge of the display helps maintain a clean and uncluttered interface, improving usability and user experience. The zoom bar may include interactive controls, such as a slider or buttons, that allow users to increase or decrease the zoom level. The method may also include dynamically adjusting the zoom bar's appearance or functionality based on the type of content being viewed or the user's preferences. This approach enhances the efficiency and flexibility of zooming operations in digital interfaces.
3. The processor resources-implemented method of claim 2 : wherein the zoom bar size in the dimension along a line connecting the indicators is substantially greater than the zoom bar size perpendicular to the line connecting the indicators.
This invention relates to user interface design for graphical data visualization, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently displaying and manipulating zoom controls in a compact, intuitive manner. The method involves a zoom bar that dynamically adjusts its size based on the spatial relationship between two indicators on a graphical display. The zoom bar's length along the line connecting these indicators is significantly larger than its width perpendicular to that line, creating an elongated, directional shape. This design optimizes screen space utilization while maintaining clear visual feedback for zoom operations. The indicators may represent data points, markers, or interactive elements within a graph, chart, or other visual representation. The zoom bar's orientation and proportional sizing enhance usability by aligning with the natural direction of user interaction, reducing cognitive load and improving precision in zoom adjustments. The method is implemented using processor resources to calculate the optimal dimensions and position of the zoom bar in real-time based on the indicators' positions. This approach is particularly useful in applications where screen real estate is limited, such as mobile devices or embedded systems, while ensuring intuitive control over data visualization.
4. The processor resources-implemented method of claim 3 : further comprising, prior to rendering a zoom bar on the device display: requesting device display specifications, and receiving device display specifications comprising display size and display orientation; and wherein the zoom bar size in the dimension along the line connecting the indicators is greater than one half of the display size in the dimension parallel to the line connecting the indicators.
This invention relates to user interface design for digital devices, specifically optimizing the display of a zoom bar to enhance usability. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of display space and poor visibility of zoom controls, particularly on devices with varying screen sizes and orientations. The solution involves dynamically adjusting the size of a zoom bar based on the device's display specifications, ensuring optimal visibility and interaction. The method begins by requesting and receiving device display specifications, including display size and orientation. These specifications determine the dimensions of the zoom bar, which is rendered on the device display. The zoom bar includes two indicators representing the current zoom level and the maximum zoom level, connected by a line. The zoom bar's size in the dimension parallel to this line is set to be greater than half of the display size in the same dimension, ensuring it occupies a significant portion of the screen for easy visibility and interaction. This adjustment improves user experience by making the zoom controls more accessible and intuitive, regardless of the device's display configuration. The method ensures that the zoom bar remains functional and visually prominent across different devices and orientations.
5. The processor resources-implemented method of claim 1 wherein n is one of: fixed and selectable.
A method for optimizing processor resource allocation in computing systems addresses the challenge of efficiently managing computational workloads to improve performance and energy efficiency. The method involves dynamically adjusting the number of processor resources (n) allocated to a task based on workload demands. The value of n can be either fixed or selectable, allowing for flexibility in resource allocation strategies. When fixed, n remains constant for a given task, ensuring predictable performance. When selectable, n can be dynamically adjusted in real-time based on factors such as workload complexity, system load, or energy constraints. This adaptability enhances system responsiveness and reduces unnecessary resource consumption. The method may also include monitoring task execution to determine optimal resource allocation, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently without over-provisioning or under-provisioning. By dynamically or statically configuring n, the method balances performance and energy efficiency, making it suitable for applications ranging from real-time processing to energy-constrained environments. The approach improves overall system efficiency by aligning resource allocation with actual computational needs.
6. The processor resources-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the media module is one of a still camera module and a video camera module.
A method for processing media data using processor resources involves capturing media content through a media module, which can be either a still camera module or a video camera module. The method includes receiving media data from the media module, where the media data may include still images or video frames. The processor resources then analyze the media data to detect one or more objects or features within the captured content. Based on the analysis, the method applies one or more processing operations to the media data, such as filtering, enhancement, or object recognition. The processed media data is then output for display or storage. The method may also include adjusting processing parameters based on the type of media module used, ensuring optimal performance for either still images or video content. The system dynamically adapts to the media module in use, improving efficiency and accuracy in media processing tasks.
7. The processor resources-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising terminating the zoom bar from the display upon at least one of: selection of the lowest of the n levels, expiration of a predetermined period of time, termination of selection of the zoom bar by the device selection means.
This invention relates to a method for managing a zoom bar in a graphical user interface, particularly for devices with limited display space or input capabilities. The method addresses the problem of efficiently controlling zoom functionality without cluttering the display or requiring excessive user interaction. The zoom bar allows a user to select from n discrete zoom levels, where n is an integer greater than 1, and provides visual feedback indicating the current zoom level. The method includes displaying the zoom bar in response to a user selection, such as a tap or click, and adjusting the zoom level based on user input. The zoom bar is automatically removed from the display under certain conditions to declutter the interface. These conditions include selecting the lowest zoom level, the passage of a predetermined time period, or the user releasing the selection of the zoom bar. The method ensures that the zoom bar does not persist unnecessarily, improving usability and reducing visual distractions. The invention is particularly useful in touchscreen devices, mobile applications, or systems where screen real estate is limited.
8. A computer program product for controlling a zoom feature in a media module in a communication device, the computer program product comprising: at least one non-transitory computer readable medium; and at least one program module, operable upon execution by processor resources to: request media module zoom specifications; receive media module zoom specifications comprising zoom range in response to the request; divide the received zoom range into n discrete steps, where n is a positive integer; present a zoom bar on the device display, wherein the zoom bar comprises: an indicator of increasing zoom direction, an indicator of decreasing zoom direction, and a slider bar: the slider bar disposed substantially between the indicators, and the slider bar displaying zoom level as one of the n discrete steps from a first step equal to no zoom level, and an nth step equal to full zoom level; receive user input regarding a zoom level; perform zoom on the displayed image to a level corresponding to the received input; and display the relative zoom level in the zoom bar.
This invention relates to a computer program product for controlling a zoom feature in a media module of a communication device. The technology addresses the challenge of providing an intuitive and precise zoom control interface for users interacting with media content on such devices. The program operates by requesting and receiving zoom specifications from the media module, including the available zoom range. This range is then divided into a predefined number of discrete steps, allowing for granular control. A zoom bar is displayed on the device screen, featuring indicators for increasing and decreasing zoom directions, along with a slider bar positioned between them. The slider bar visually represents the current zoom level as one of the discrete steps, ranging from no zoom (first step) to full zoom (last step). User input adjusts the zoom level, and the program updates the displayed image accordingly while reflecting the new zoom level in the zoom bar. This approach ensures users can easily navigate and select precise zoom levels within the available range, enhancing the media viewing experience. The system dynamically adapts to the media module's capabilities, ensuring compatibility across different devices and content types.
9. The computer program product of claim 8 : wherein the zoom bar occupies a space substantially along the margin of an edge of the display.
A computer program product provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for a display, particularly for devices with limited screen space, such as mobile devices. The GUI includes a zoom bar that allows users to adjust the zoom level of displayed content. The zoom bar is positioned along the margin of an edge of the display, optimizing screen real estate by avoiding central placement. This design ensures that the zoom bar remains accessible while minimizing interference with the primary content. The zoom bar may include interactive elements, such as a slider or buttons, to facilitate precise zoom adjustments. The program may also include additional features, such as a preview window that shows the effect of the zoom level before applying it, enhancing user control. The system dynamically adjusts the zoom bar's position and size based on the display's orientation or content layout, ensuring consistent usability. This approach improves navigation and readability on small screens by providing an intuitive and non-intrusive zoom control mechanism.
10. The computer program product of claim 9 : wherein the zoom bar size in the dimension along a line connecting the indicators is substantially greater than the zoom bar size perpendicular to the line connecting the indicators.
This invention relates to graphical user interfaces for data visualization, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently displaying and manipulating zoom controls in a compact and intuitive manner. The invention provides a computer program product that includes a zoom bar with a non-uniform shape, where the size of the zoom bar along a line connecting two indicators is substantially greater than its size perpendicular to that line. This design allows for a more compact representation of the zoom bar while maintaining usability, particularly in environments where screen space is limited. The zoom bar is used to adjust the zoom level of a displayed dataset, and the indicators represent key points or ranges within the data. The non-uniform sizing ensures that the zoom bar remains easily accessible and manipulable, even when displayed in a constrained space. The invention improves user interaction by reducing clutter and enhancing the visual clarity of the interface, making it easier to perform precise zoom adjustments. The zoom bar's shape adapts dynamically to the orientation of the indicators, ensuring optimal usability regardless of the data's layout. This approach is particularly useful in applications such as data analysis tools, mapping software, and scientific visualization systems, where efficient zoom control is critical.
11. The computer program product of claim 10 : further comprising, prior to rendering a zoom bar on the device display: request device display specifications, and receive device display specifications comprising display size and display orientation; and wherein the zoom bar size in the dimension along the line connecting the indicators is greater than one half of the display size in the dimension parallel to the line connecting the indicators.
This invention relates to user interface design for digital devices, specifically optimizing the display of a zoom bar to enhance usability. The problem addressed is the difficulty in interacting with small or improperly sized zoom bars on various devices, which can hinder user experience during zooming operations. The solution involves dynamically adjusting the zoom bar's dimensions based on the device's display specifications to ensure it remains easily accessible and functional. The system first requests and receives the device's display specifications, including display size and orientation. Using this information, the zoom bar is rendered with a size in one dimension that is greater than half of the display's corresponding dimension. This ensures the zoom bar is large enough for comfortable interaction, regardless of the device's screen size or orientation. The zoom bar includes two indicators representing different zoom levels, and its length along the line connecting these indicators is adjusted to meet the specified size requirement. This dynamic sizing improves usability by preventing the zoom bar from being too small or awkwardly positioned, thereby enhancing the overall user experience during zooming operations.
12. The computer program product of claim 8 wherein n is one of: fixed and selectable.
A system and method for optimizing data processing in a computing environment involves dynamically adjusting a parameter n, which can be either fixed or selectable, to enhance performance. The parameter n represents a configurable value that influences the behavior of a data processing algorithm. When n is fixed, it remains constant throughout the execution of the algorithm, ensuring predictable performance. When n is selectable, the system allows users or an automated process to adjust n based on real-time conditions, such as workload demands or resource availability, to improve efficiency. The system includes a processing module that executes the algorithm using the specified value of n and a control module that manages the selection or adjustment of n. The method involves determining whether n is fixed or selectable, applying the appropriate value of n to the algorithm, and executing the algorithm to process data. This approach enables flexible and adaptive data processing, balancing consistency and adaptability to varying operational conditions. The invention is particularly useful in environments where processing requirements fluctuate, such as cloud computing or real-time analytics, where dynamic adjustments can significantly enhance performance and resource utilization.
13. The computer program product of claim 8 wherein the media module is one of a still camera module and a video camera module.
A computer program product is disclosed for a mobile device that includes a media module for capturing media content. The media module can be either a still camera module for capturing still images or a video camera module for capturing video content. The system includes a processing unit that executes instructions to control the media module, a display for previewing and reviewing captured media, and a memory for storing the captured media. The processing unit processes the captured media, applies enhancements such as filters or adjustments, and manages storage and retrieval of the media files. The system may also include user interface elements for controlling the media capture process, such as shutter buttons, recording controls, and settings adjustments. The media module interfaces with the processing unit to enable real-time previewing of the captured content on the display. The system ensures efficient media capture, processing, and storage, enhancing user experience by providing intuitive controls and high-quality media output. The invention addresses the need for a versatile media capture solution in mobile devices, allowing users to seamlessly switch between still and video capture modes while maintaining performance and usability.
14. The computer program product of claim 8 further comprising terminating the zoom bar from the display upon at least one of: selection of the lowest of the n levels, expiration of a predetermined period of time, termination of selection of the zoom bar by the device selection means.
This invention relates to a computer program product for managing a zoom bar in a graphical user interface (GUI). The problem addressed is the persistent display of a zoom bar, which can clutter the interface and distract users. The solution involves automatically terminating the zoom bar under specific conditions to improve usability. The zoom bar is a graphical element that allows users to adjust the zoom level of displayed content. The invention includes a method for dynamically controlling the visibility of this zoom bar. The zoom bar is displayed in response to user interaction, such as selecting a zoom control or a specific area of the interface. The zoom bar provides n discrete zoom levels, where n is an integer greater than one, allowing users to incrementally adjust the zoom. The invention further includes a mechanism to terminate the zoom bar from the display under certain conditions. These conditions include selecting the lowest of the n zoom levels, expiration of a predetermined time period after the last user interaction, or termination of selection of the zoom bar by the device's selection means (e.g., mouse, touch, or stylus). This ensures the zoom bar does not remain visible unnecessarily, reducing visual clutter and improving the user experience. The invention may also include additional features such as adjusting the zoom level based on user input and dynamically updating the display accordingly.
15. A mobile communication device comprising: at least one processor resource, at least one non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the processor resource; and at least one program module, stored on the at least one medium, and operable, upon execution by the processor to: at least one computer readable medium; and at least one program module, operable upon execution by processor resources to: request media module zoom specifications; receive, in response to the request, media module zoom specifications comprising zoom range; divide the received zoom range into n discrete steps, where n is a positive integer; present a zoom bar on the device display, wherein the zoom bar comprises: an indicator of increasing zoom direction, an indicator of decreasing zoom direction, and a slider bar: the slider bar disposed substantially between the indicators, and the slider bar displaying zoom level as one of the n discrete steps from a first step equal to no zoom level, and an nth step equal to full zoom level; receive user input regarding a zoom level; perform zoom on the displayed image to a level corresponding to the received input; and display the relative zoom level in the zoom bar.
A mobile communication device includes a processor, non-transitory computer-readable storage, and program modules that enable dynamic zoom control for media display. The device addresses the challenge of providing intuitive and precise zoom adjustments in mobile applications, particularly for media viewing. The system requests zoom specifications from a media module, including the available zoom range, and divides this range into discrete steps for user selection. A zoom bar is displayed on the device screen, featuring directional indicators for increasing and decreasing zoom, along with a slider bar positioned between them. The slider bar visually represents the current zoom level as one of the discrete steps, ranging from no zoom (first step) to full zoom (last step). Users can adjust the zoom level by interacting with the slider, and the device applies the corresponding zoom to the displayed media while updating the zoom bar to reflect the new level. This approach simplifies zoom control by breaking continuous adjustments into manageable steps, improving usability for mobile users. The system ensures real-time feedback by displaying the relative zoom level within the zoom bar, enhancing the user experience during media viewing.
16. The mobile communication device of claim 15 : wherein the zoom bar occupies a space substantially along the margin of an edge of the display.
A mobile communication device includes a display with a zoom bar positioned along the edge margin of the display. The zoom bar is a user interface element that allows a user to adjust the zoom level of content displayed on the screen. The device also includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to detect a touch input on the zoom bar and adjust the zoom level of the displayed content based on the touch input. The zoom bar may be a horizontal or vertical strip located at the top, bottom, left, or right edge of the display, providing quick access to zoom controls without obstructing the main content area. The device may further include a touch-sensitive display that detects touch gestures, such as swipes or pinches, to adjust the zoom level. The zoom bar may also include visual indicators, such as a slider or progress bar, to show the current zoom level and allow precise adjustments. The device may automatically adjust the zoom level based on user preferences or content type, enhancing usability for tasks like reading, browsing, or viewing media. The zoom bar's edge placement ensures minimal interference with the displayed content while maintaining easy accessibility.
17. The mobile communication device of claim 16 : wherein the zoom bar size in the dimension along a line connecting the indicators is substantially greater than the zoom bar size perpendicular to the line connecting the indicators.
This invention relates to mobile communication devices with enhanced zoom controls for touchscreens. The problem addressed is the difficulty of precisely adjusting zoom levels on small touchscreen devices, where traditional circular or square zoom bars are hard to manipulate accurately. The solution involves a zoom bar with an elongated shape, where the length along the axis connecting two zoom indicators is significantly greater than its width perpendicular to that axis. This elongated design allows for more precise touch input along the primary adjustment direction while minimizing accidental inputs in the perpendicular direction. The zoom indicators, which may be visual markers or buttons, define the range of zoom levels and provide tactile or visual feedback during adjustment. The elongated zoom bar can be positioned dynamically based on screen orientation or user interaction patterns to optimize usability. This design improves zoom control accuracy and reduces unintended adjustments, particularly in applications requiring fine-grained zoom level adjustments, such as image editing or document viewing. The invention may also include additional features like haptic feedback or adaptive sizing based on user preferences or environmental conditions.
18. The mobile communication device of claim 17 : further comprising, prior to rendering a zoom bar on the device display: request device display specifications, and receive device display specifications comprising display size and display orientation; and wherein the zoom bar size in the dimension along the line connecting the indicators is greater than one half of the display size in the dimension parallel to the line connecting the indicators.
A mobile communication device includes a display and a zoom bar for adjusting the zoom level of displayed content. The zoom bar is rendered on the display and includes two indicators representing minimum and maximum zoom levels, with a slider positioned between them. The device determines the display size and orientation before rendering the zoom bar. The zoom bar's length, measured along the line connecting the two indicators, is greater than half of the display's corresponding dimension. This ensures the zoom bar is large enough for easy interaction while fitting within the display. The device may also adjust the zoom bar's position based on the display orientation, such as rotating it to align with the longer dimension of the display in landscape mode. The zoom bar may be rendered as a horizontal or vertical bar, depending on the display orientation, and its size is dynamically calculated to maintain usability. The invention improves user interaction by providing a consistently accessible zoom control that adapts to different display configurations.
19. The mobile communication device of claim 15 wherein n is one of: fixed and selectable.
A mobile communication device includes a display screen and a processor configured to execute a software application. The device is capable of displaying a plurality of user interface elements on the display screen, where each user interface element is associated with a respective software application. The device further includes a touch-sensitive input mechanism that detects a user input, such as a touch or gesture, and determines a position of the user input relative to the user interface elements. The processor is configured to execute a software application associated with a user interface element in response to detecting a user input at a position corresponding to the user interface element. The device includes a plurality of user interface elements arranged in a grid layout, where each user interface element is associated with a respective software application. The grid layout has a configurable number of rows and columns, where the number of rows and columns (n) can be either fixed or selectable by the user. The device allows the user to customize the grid layout by selecting the number of rows and columns, enabling flexible arrangement of user interface elements based on user preference or device screen size. The touch-sensitive input mechanism detects user inputs, such as taps or swipes, and the processor executes the corresponding software application based on the detected input position. The device may also include additional features, such as haptic feedback or visual indicators, to enhance user interaction.
20. The mobile communication device of claim 15 wherein the media module is one of a still camera module and a video camera module.
A mobile communication device includes a media module configured to capture media content, such as still images or video. The device also features a communication module for transmitting the captured media content to a remote server or another device. The media module may be a still camera module for capturing static images or a video camera module for recording motion pictures. The communication module ensures the media content is securely transmitted over a network, such as a cellular or Wi-Fi network, to a designated recipient or storage location. The device may also include a user interface for controlling the media capture and transmission processes, allowing users to initiate, pause, or terminate media recording and sharing. The system ensures efficient and reliable media transfer, addressing the need for seamless content sharing in mobile environments. The device may further include processing capabilities to enhance media quality before transmission, such as image stabilization or compression, to optimize bandwidth usage and storage requirements. This invention solves the problem of capturing and sharing media content efficiently and securely from a mobile device, ensuring high-quality transmission with minimal latency.
21. The mobile communication device of claim 15 further comprising terminating the zoom bar from the display upon at least one of: selection of the lowest of the n levels, expiration of a predetermined period of time, termination of selection of the zoom bar by the device selection means.
This invention relates to mobile communication devices with enhanced zoom functionality. The problem addressed is the need for an intuitive and efficient way to adjust zoom levels on mobile devices, particularly when navigating or interacting with content. The invention provides a mobile communication device with a display and selection means (e.g., touchscreen or physical buttons) that includes a zoom bar for adjusting magnification levels. The zoom bar allows users to select from n discrete zoom levels, where n is at least two. The device further includes a mechanism to terminate the zoom bar from the display under specific conditions: when the lowest zoom level is selected, after a predetermined period of inactivity, or when the user stops interacting with the zoom bar. This ensures the zoom interface does not persist unnecessarily, improving usability and screen real estate management. The invention may also include features like a default zoom level, a visual indicator for the current zoom level, and a method to adjust zoom levels incrementally or continuously. The system ensures smooth transitions between zoom states while minimizing user effort and distraction.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
December 16, 2010
July 23, 2013
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.